Poland: Termination of 1991 Bilateral Visa-Waiver Agreement for U.S. Citizens

Following explicit confirmation from the Police Border Guard Headquarters in Poland, U.S. citizens are no longer entitled to remain visa-free in Poland for stays exceeding 90 days within any 180-day period. With the implementation of the EU Entry/Exit System (EES) last October 12, 2025, the 1991 bilateral agreement that previously allowed U.S. citizens to extend visa-free stays in Poland beyond the Schengen 90/180-day limit is no longer applicable. All bilateral visa-waiver arrangements inconsistent with Article 6(1) of the Schengen Borders Code are effectively terminated.

Key Implications:

• U.S. nationals present in Poland or entering after October 12, 2025 are subject to the standard Schengen 90/180-day rule.
• The 90-day clock resets starting October 12, 2025, regardless of days already spent in Poland or any other Schengen country before that date.
• Example: A U.S. citizen departing Poland on October 21, 2025 will be considered to have accumulated 10 days of stay (October 12–21), even if they originally entered earlier (e.g., September 1).
• For re-entry checks after October 12, 2025, Polish Border Guard officers will only review days spent in the Schengen Area from October 12 onward.

Required Actions for Travelers:

• Review your permitted stay and ensure compliance with the 90/180-day rule.
• Travelers who need to remain beyond 90 days must obtain an appropriate visa or residence authorization before reaching the limit.
• Failure to comply may result in overstay penalties or future entry restrictions.

Josefina Botero, EMEA Immigration Manager, authored this article.

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